Mary, and husband Joseph gave her babe the gift of protection. Simple shepherds gave adoration and wise men gave gifts worthy of his royal status. What do you give to someone who has everything? The Lord owns the world, its inhabitants and all it contains. (Psalm 24:1) Our giving to him should be sincere, and given from hearts of thanksgiving, for all he has given to us. It’s the thought that counts.

Think surrender…. “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and facilities] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God (Romans 12:1a Amplified Bible).” Aim to please, while presenting your life in sacrificial service to your Lord.

The Lord received the gift of a tomb, a testimony of Joseph of Aramathea’s love for him. “And Joseph took the body and rolled it up in a clean linen cloth used for swathing dead bodies. And laid it in his own fresh (undefiled) tomb, which he had hewn in the rock (Matthew 27:59-60a Amplified Bible).” Jesus first earthy dwelling was a stable, his last-an unused grave, given as a gift of worship by Joseph of Arimathea.